Very few people on the left believe that this goofball is representative of Republicans or the right; but they are absolutely correct in believing that turning some nut into an issue with a ridiculous accusation will have prominent Republicans and conservatives scrambling to condemn his actions.

Day after day after day, while real issues are ignored. This stupid tabloid story is keeping many people from thinking too much about real current events, and putting the right on the defensive. A couple more stories like this and the Democrats will probably keep the Senate, and maybe even lose a few less house seats.

After all, people don't WANT Republicans in office; they just want Democrats slightly less at the moment. Stuff like this can tip the scales a bit.

2
Possibly localized ignorance and rapid distribution speed are conspiring
together? I hadn't been aware that the church was some sort of Westboro
ally until this morning, and this thing's been churning for two-three
days prior to that.

When did this stunt get noticed? When Petraeus wrote his letter, or
before that?